Australian MMA coach Renato Subotic claimed he was mistakenly detained and jailed in the United States over a card problem, describing his experience as a” chaotic” and humiliating struggle that saw him locked up with violent residents and denied basic right.
Subotic, who had travelled to the US to do a lecture, said the tragedy has left him shocked at how fast one’s flexibility can be taken apart.
The 33-year-old, who has coached Australia’s national MMA group, was stopped at the border and taken to an isolated place where he says he was interrogated for three days. ” The official interviewing me looked like he was looking for something wrong”, Subotic wrote on Instagram, adding that despite being cooperative and providing full details of his journey, he was told there had been a mistake with his card and he was being taken to jail.
More describing his suffering, he said that he was handcuffed, stripped of his possessions, and forced into a prison even before being taken to a national hospital where he was fingerprinted and photographed. ” They walked me to my stop – 4B. The minute the door opened, it was panic. Conflicts between gangs, individuals screaming, arguing over meals, what to see on TV, mad people running around. Madness”, he wrote.
Inside the body, Subotic claimed he was met with a bed stained with” p*** and body”. When he afterwards returned to find two people stealing his blanket, a real confrontation broke out.
A watch responded and told him,” You got a great welcome. Keep your head right or you’re gonna be here more”.
The manager remained in confinement for about 24 hours before being taken to the aircraft. ” At the airport, they kept me in a room without telling me when I’d fly”, he said. ” Gradually, I got facts: I was being deported”. Before boarding the plane, Subotic said a provincial agent apologised, telling him,” They messed up big. It shouldn’t have gone this method”.
Subotic said he respects immigration laws but slammed the decision to arrest him. ” It’s stupid how quickly someone can get away your freedom … Just like that, you’re treated like the worst criminal”, he said, adding that he’s then again in Australia and consulting professionals.
His situation comes as US President Donald Trump’s administration ladders up immigration enforcement. As reported by SBS News, the US senator just revoked momentary legal position for over 500, 000 refugees and has faced criticism for detaining foreign customers for minor immigration problems.
” I hope this never happens to anyone else”, Subotic said.
